ACTS 3 - Walk by FAITH

Pray

Intro – Story In 2009, a German scientist named Jan Souman took a group of subjects out to empty parking lots and open fields, blindfolded them, and instructed them to walk in a straight line. Some of them managed to keep to a straight course for ten or twenty paces; a few lasted for 50 or a hundred. But in the end, all of them wound up circling back toward their points of origin. Not many of them. Not most of them. Every last one.

"And they have no idea," Dr. Souman told NPR. "They were thinking that they were walking in a straight line all the time." Dr. Souman's research team explored every imaginable explanation. Some people turned to the right while others turned to the left, but the researchers could find no discernable pattern. As a group, neither left-handed nor right-handed subjects demonstrated any predisposition for turning one way more than the other; nor did subjects tested for either right- or left-brain dominance. The team even tried gluing a rubber soul to the bottom of one shoe to make one leg longer than the other.

"It didn't make any difference at all," explained Dr. Souman. "So again, that is pretty random what people do." In fact, it isn't even limited to walking. Ask people to swim blindfolded or drive a car blindfolded and, no matter how determined they may be to go straight, they quickly begin to describe peculiar looping circles in one direction or the other.

But here’s the point. The group surveyed, every one of them… thought… they were walking straight… but in reality, they weren’t.All of them. From one to the next, ended up losing their sense of direction. And why is that? They Couldn’t SEE! (Hit in sermon)

By the way… Can you imagine the same group driving blindfolded.I mean this is a German scientist, so let me know if any of you happen to come across footage of people driving blindfolded on the autobahn any time soon.

Some of us this morning, in our walk… We need direction. We have choices to make and need clarity. Others, despite our best efforts, end up back in the same spot. Maybe with sin, maybe with frustrations, maybe with a situation at home. And this morning You’ve had enough. (hamster on a wheel)

Well today, wherever you are in your walk with Christ. His desire is for you to walk by Faith. His desire is that you walk in Freedom. And as you do so. There are 3 things from Acts 3 that we can do:

As you turn to Acts 3. We see that – 1. Walking by faith leads to Praise. 2. Walking by faith leads to refreshing. 3. Walking by faith leads to Blessing.

1. Walking by faith leads to Praise

3 One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon. 2 Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. 3 When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them.

6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

As we consider this scripture. We notice that Peter and John are going to the temple at the time of prayer at 3 in the afternoon. And the Jewish people prayed daily at 3 times, 9 am, noon and 3pm. But on the way, they encounter a lame man, in other words he couldn’t walk. And we see later in scripture that he’s older than 40 and that he’s been lame or unable to walk since birth. So that sets up the scene.

And as this beggar sees Peter and John about to enter the temple, he asks them for money. and it’s a subtle detail but look again with me at verse 4 for a moment... we’re told: 4 Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” Now can I ask a question for a brief moment, this man is here… he wants something from them, he asks them for money… But why would Peter need to tell the man to look at them?

Well because clearly in this moment… he’s not looking at them. He’s probably looking down. And the bible doesn’t go into great details about the condition of this man’s heart. Or his emotional pain. I mean the pain in view is of his physical nature and his inability to walk… But if we consider for a moment that this man isn’t looking up, there’s no confidence in view, there seems to be a sense of sadness, and a downcast spirit, of hopelessness perhaps. And so, Peter says, “Look at us!” and the man 5 So the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. (Expecting to get money) 6 Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.” 7 Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. 9 When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10 they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Now if we go back to verse 10 for a moment, the bible makes it clear that the people there recognized him as the same man. In other words, he looks the same, they recognize him… but somethings changed. There’s a before and after at hand. There’s a before Jesus entered the scene, what this man’s circumstance was… and after Jesus entered the scene what this man’s circumstance was.

You see Peter, made it clear… He didn’t have money… He didn’t have what the man was looking for. But he had something better. And In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, (he told the man) “walk” He takes him by the hand, he helps him up and instantly the man’s feet and ankles are strong. He doesn’t need surgery, he doesn’t need physical therapy, or rehab, he needed Jesus in this moment.

And what was the result of this miracle? Not only does this man receive strength through Jesus. Verse 8 makes it clear. 8 He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. He’s shouting with Joy, he’s raising his voice to the Lord and celebrating what God has done… and I promise you his face, is not downcast, he’s not discouraged, this moment is one of extreme joy and excitement. It’s completely changed this man’s life.

This man’s experiencing Joy and Praise. Peter and John are experiencing Joy and Praise, And All the People… Acts 4: 21 – 21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. Acts 4: 21 –

So, everyone is experiencing Praise. And naturally, we say, we’ll of course, they’re praising… These are good times… But what about when life doesn’t go as we want? What about when things don’t go our way. What about when the answer is no… How do we respond? Church here’s the key, as we walk by faith… we can give thanks in all circumstances.

I’m reminded of a story that explains: The Nigerian city of Jos sits on Africa's great fault line between the Muslim north and Christian, and thus has faced terrible things in recent years. A Nigerian Baptist church was attacked by Muslim extremists who burnt the church building and the house of the church's leader, Pastor Sunday Gomna. On the second Sunday after the violent outbreak, when the people of that Baptist church returned for worship, they gathered in a little mud wall community center about one kilometer from the burnt church.

Pastor Gomna stood up and offered some beautiful words of gratitude. He said, 'First, I am grateful that no one in my church killed anyone." Apparently, during the chaos of the attacks, Pastor Sunday had gone around the community and some of the Muslim people said, "Pastor, thank you for the way you taught your people. 'Your people helped to protect us.'" So, Pastor Sunday was proud that his people did not kill any Muslims.

"Second," he said, "I am grateful that they did not burn my church." Everyone looked at Pastor Sunday with disbelief. After all, everyone was meeting in a small, uncomfortable Mud hut that had been burnt to the ground. But Pastor Sunday continued: "Inasmuch as no church member died during this crisis, they did not burn our church. They only burned the building. We can rebuild the building, but we could not bring back to life any of our members. So, I am grateful that they did not burn my church."

He continued, "Third, I am grateful that they burned my house as well. If they had burned your house and not my house, how would I have known how to serve you as pastor? However, because they burned my house and all my possessions, I know what you are experiencing, and I will be able to be a better pastor to you. So, I am grateful that they burned my house as well."

You see as we read this story Pastor Gomna, doesn’t have great things taking place in his life… at least from an outsider’s perspective. But in the midst of tragedy, we see Joy. We see praise and Gratefulness. And how is this possible. With Christ.

You see, as Christians, every moment may not feel like you’re on top of the world. Every moment may not “feel good.” And yet… with Christ… we have hope. The bible tells us we should: give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:8

Friends, are we doing that this morning? Are we giving thanks at all times, in all circumstances? When things feel good and… when things don’t… are we giving praise?

2. Walking by faith leads to Witnessing

11 While the man held on to Peter and John, all the people were astonished and came running to them in the place called Solomon’s Colonnade. 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus.You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. 16 By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has completely healed him, as you can all see.

As we consider the scripture, we see in light of this miracle. Peter would use it as a means to begin witnessing to the Crowd. Just like in acts Ch 2. As the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost would grab the attention of the crowd, Peter has the same opportunity here.

Peter uses this opportunity to present the truth. Verse 12 says: 12 When Peter saw this, he said to them: “Fellow Israelites, why does this surprise you? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus.

So, Peter would go on to reference the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and speak to the Jewish crowd in terms they could understand.

But then Peter would explain to them. “You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14 You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. (In other words, Peter isn’t mincing words here. He’s telling them straight to the point, that it was their disowning Jesus that led to his crucifixion.) By the way, in sharing this truth, the number of those saved would grow to roughly 5,000 people as this message cut to the heart.

But look again with me at verse 15. What does it tell us. 15 You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this. That in the crucifixion, and the resurrection. Peter and John, and the other disciples are Witnesses of this. They saw it for themselves.

The word witnesses by the way is the Greek word, (mar-toos) martys. It’s the same word root word from which we get the word Martyr. And by definition… it means: 1. to witness, in a legal or historical sense. But it also means… 2. those who after his example, have proved the strength and genuineness of their faith in Christ by undergoing a violent death.

You see, Peter and John and the disciples had been called to follow Jesus.

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24

But now, in these moments, these men are living out this idea of being a disciple. Of being a witness. If you fast-forward to Acts 4:1

4 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so, the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.

So, they’re sharing their faith, the church is growing, but they’re being put in jail. In time, they’ll face persecution, and suffering, and in time, most of the disciples would go on to be martyred for their faith.

But church, denying ourselves, taking up our cross and following after Jesus. That’s the cost of being a disciple.

You know I came across a quote from Billy Graham on this topic earlier this week.

When Jesus said, "If you are going to follow me, you have to take up a cross," it was the same as saying, "Come and bring your electric chair with you. Take up the gas chamber and follow me." He did not have a beautiful gold cross in mind--the cross on a church steeple or on the front of your Bible. Jesus had in mind a place of execution.

When we hear this, it may sound harsh. It may not necessarily be what Jesus brings you to in life… but a good question to ask yourself is this… are you willing to lay down your life, for what he wants? Are you willing to follow after Jesus and pick up your cross and follow Him. Friends, that’s what’s expected of us this morning.

3. And yet, as we follow him. We’re promised refreshing.

Acts 3:17 Continues: 17 “Now, fellow Israelites, I know that you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. 18 But this is how God fulfilled what he had foretold through all the prophets, saying that his Messiah would suffer. 19 Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.

As we look at the scripture, we see that Peter Calls the group to repent

Which, by definition this word Repent, means not just a change in actions, it’s actually a change of mind or heart. and then, as the heart is changed, the actions follow suit.

And Peter calls the audience to Repent and turn to God. So that not only would their sins be wiped out. But also, so that times of refreshing would come.

The word, Refreshing here, in the Greek is the word. meaning: cooling, or refreshing.

And so here’s the point. God’s desire for your life, is to not only repent and turn to God initially. At the point of salvation… but daily to turn to him, so that times of refreshing may come.

You see, when I look into the word refreshing. Does anyone like the sound of that this morning? Refreshing is a good word.

One of my favorite proverbs, I love the wording here: Proverbs 25:13 Like a snow-cooled drink at harvest time is a trustworthy messenger to the one who sends him; he refreshes the spirit of his master.

When I say the word refreshment, there’s a positive emotion that comes with it.

And if you think about the heat we’ve had over the last week. Some of us might enjoy it… but you know what I’ve enjoyed, after being in the heat throughout the day… an ice cold glass of water, or maybe lemonade. Or something to drink.

You see, Peter is calling the crowd to repent and to turn to Jesus for the first time. And this is true for everyone, we need to turn to Christ. But there also has to be a change a of heart, a repentance daily, and this idea of turning to God.

You see, you may be going through a heavy season right now in life. You feel exhausted. The heat of the day has gotten to you. Friend, have you gone to the Lord for refreshing? Friend in this season of life… are you going to the Lord.

We’re going to go to the Lord in communion in just a moment. And I’ll call the elders forward.

But communing with God. This should be a time to just have an honest conversation about where we are this morning. Like how is stuff going in your life today? What are you struggling with. You see the Lord wants to restore you, and refresh you, but there’s also a point of repentance.

And so, as the elders come forward. I’m just going to read the 23rd Psalm and receive this scripture this morning. Wherever you are in your walk with Christ.

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not [a]want. 2 He makes me to lie down in [b]green pastures; He leads me beside the [c]still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will [d]dwell in the house of the Lord Forever.